In the summertime, I often see refreshing twists on lemonade, like Mint Lemonade or Strawberry Lemonade. But one combination I rarely see is Peach Lemonade, and that is too bad! Ripe, juicy sweet peaches pair surprisingly well with tart fresh-squeezed lemon juice. Because in-season peaches are SO sweet at their peak, you won’t need to sweeten your drink with lots of added sugar. In fact, this peach lemonade recipe calls simply for a honey syrup to elevate the sweetness. This refreshing drink could fit in easily at your next brunch or summer picnic, but it’s so tasty and easy to make that you’ll want to enjoy it any time, not just on a special occasion. Keep the skins on when you’re preparing the syrup and you’ll also get a refreshing drink that’s painted like a peachy summer sunset!
What You Need to Make This Peach Lemonade Recipe
Peach Lemonade is made with just 3 easy ingredients! Just be sure your peaches are very ripe. You’ll need:
Peaches: I like a mix of tangy yellow and sweet white peaches, but feel free to use any variety you enjoy. Honey: Use mild honey so it doesn’t overpower the taste and aroma of the peaches (more suggestions in “Ingredient Spotlight” below). Lemons: Use sour lemon here, like a Eureka or Lisbon, rather than a sweeter Meyer lemon variety. That lip-puckering acidity balances the syrupy sweetness of the peaches and honey.
Ingredient Spotlight
Why choose honey over white sugar? While both honey and processed sugar will sweeten your drink, honey includes fructose, which is naturally sweeter than the glucose found in white sugar, so less is needed. Honey also imparts C and B vitamins, calcium, potassium, and other vitamins and minerals (visit the USDA for the full nutritional breakdown). Finally, honey offers a richness and more nuanced flavor to the lemonade that white sugar does not. As mentioned above, honey comes in many different varieties, and, for this Peach Lemonade, you’ll want to choose a style more on the mild side. Clover, Acacia, and Wildflower honey will all work and are common varieties found at the grocery store. Stay clear of stronger flavored honey varieties like Buckwheat, Manuka, or Chestnut, as their taste can dominate the drink.
OUR RECOMMENDATION: Greek Wildflower Honey
How to Make Peach Lemonade with Fresh Peaches
Rather than using artificial flavoring, I like to make peach lemonade from fresh peaches. It requires a few minutes of chopping and standing at the stove, but it’s well worth it! As a bonus, you can save the strained peaches to top Greek yogurt, mixed into oatmeal, or just eaten on their own. Store refrigerated, in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Make a honey simple syrup. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine 3/4 cup honey and 1 cup of water. Stir to dissolve the honey, then lower heat to medium. Stew the peaches. Add 3 cups chopped peaches and bring to a simmer. Simmer the peaches for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally and mashing with the back of a wooden spoon to release their juices as they cook down. Cool. After 10 minutes, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool to room temperature, then strain the syrup through a mesh strainer into a mixing glass. Mix and serve. In a large pitcher, combine the cooled peach honey syrup, 1 cup lemon juice, and 4 cups water. Stir gently to combine. Serve with sliced peaches and lemon wheels over iced-filled glasses.
Ways to Mix it Up
Peaches and lemons pair well with many different ingredients. If you’d like to add some additional flavors to your drink, the syrup-making stage will concentrate the most flavor and is the best place to add those ingredients.
Mint: Peach and mint are a classic pairing that adds a cooling touch to the lemonade. Add in a 1/2 cup of fresh Moroccan Mint leaves in the last few minutes of simmering the peaches. The mint is strong and will continue to infuse while the syrup cools to room temperature. Strain with the peaches. Lavender: A fresh floral note for the Peach Lemonade. Add a 1/4 cup of dried culinary lavender flowers to the saucepan with the peaches. Follow the recipe as written and strain out with peaches. Ginger: Add a spicy kick to your Peach Lemonade! Chop a 2-inch nub of unpeeled ginger and add to the saucepan with the peaches. Proceed with the recipe as written. For a Peach Melba: The classic dish of vanilla ice cream with peaches and raspberries in drink form! Combine 1 cup of fresh raspberries with the peaches and proceed with the recipe as written. Add 1/2 tablespoon of real vanilla extract to the lemon juice and combine with syrup and water.
What to Serve with Peach Lemonade
You can serve a Peach Lemonade any time of day, but it’s especially refreshing on a warm afternoon with a light lunch or poolside with some small plates. Pair with a cool crunchy salad like the Greek lettuce salad Maroulosalata, or a colorful Niçoise salad for a more substantial lunch. Or go for extra peach-y flavors with a Peach, Arugula, Basil, and Goat Cheese salad. For a few small plates at happy hour, try Grilled Halloumi With Blistered Cherry Tomatoes and Honey-Rosemary Glaze, and a Mediterranean Bowl with all the fixings. Browse all Mediterranean recipes. Visit Our Shop.
Non-Alcoholic Sangria with Hibiscus and Thyme
Spiced Pomegranate Fizz Mocktail
Strawberry Lemonade
Mediterranean-Style Mint Lemonade (Limonada)
